Systems for simultaneously contracting body core muscles and a computerised instructional unit for facilitating same

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising a main body, an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to the main body, the abdominal crunch member configured to engage an upper body area of a user, an abdominal contact member attached to the main body, the abdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominal area of user; and an electronic vibration unit capable of causing a portion of the apparatus to vibrate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/340,583, filed Dec. 19, 2008 (scheduled for issuance on Mar. 22, 2011as U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,736), which claims benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/015,607,filed on Dec. 20, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gym, lower back physicaltherapy and home exercise devices. Some embodiments of the presentinvention relate to methods and devices for simultaneously exercisingthe core body muscles; specifically, contracting and isolating abdominaland back muscle groups. In addition, some embodiments can incorporatemultiple resistances and exercises, which can be performed in onesimultaneous action; guided by an electronic computerized instructionaldevice.

BACKGROUND

Lower back pain annually costs the USA over $110 billion (doubling inthe last 20 years) and is the second most common reason why anindividual will see a doctor. One of the primary reasons for lower backpain is weak core muscles. Previously, there was no effective home coreexercising devices that simultaneously isolates all core muscles in onesimultaneous exercise motion.

An exercise method and device that can effectively strengthen all ormany of 30 segmented core muscles, that is portable, effective, easy touse, and compact, and provides electronic instruction could provide manybenefits. Exercising of the abdominal (also referred to as “Abdominal”)and back musculatures can improve lower back stability, sportsperformance, posture and physical conditioning/appearance. Even sittingat a computer or desk a few hours a day, causes significant core strain.Strengthening the core can have a huge impact in the work place andlower back physical therapy. Typically, the first muscles to beactivated in a sport, such as golf, running, basketball, tennis and etc;are the core muscles. Strengthening the core muscles can significantlyincrease body performance and reduces potential injury. Abdominalprotrusion (allowing free forward movement of the body organs and waistfat) or “the pooch”, can be due to weak core muscles, resulting in anunattractive appearance. Even though an individual is skinny, a poochcan many times not be eliminated by dieting alone. A solution can bestrengthening the core muscles. The strengthening of the core musclescan provide an anatomical core girdle that can be more effective thanany artificial girdle. Since fat has a low density, a strong core girdlecan significantly reduce a forward protrusion around the waist.

There are nine abdominal muscle groups and each abdominal group can havea plurality of segmented muscles. For example, the rectus abdominisgroup (front body abdominals) has eight segmented muscles, the oblique'sgroup (side abdominals) has twelve segmented muscles, and the serratusgroup has six segmented muscles. These muscles interconnect with thelats and back flexor muscles, collectively creating the core musclegroup of 30 segmented muscles.

However, most abdominal exercise devices currently used in the home andgyms are single resistance apparatus that indirectly provide resistanceto a single abdominal muscle group and without any emphasis on the backflexor and latissimus dorsi muscles. The total core is comprised of thefront/side Abdominal groups, back flexor and latissimus dorsi muscles.Currently, there are no home exercise devices that simultaneouslycontract all core muscles in one single action; with minimal lower backmovement. Moreover, if the abdominals are not contracted during theabdominal mechanical or non-mechanical exercise, the results aretypically minimal. In addition, working core muscles separately cansignificantly reduce the intensity of the contractions and resistance ofas oppose to multiple simultaneous contraction. Typically, the greaterlevel of contraction of the core muscles, the higher level of fasttwitch muscle fiber recruitment. This is why more resistance, lessrepetitions and slower anaerobic movements, can be more conducive tostrengthening the core muscles. Fast twitch fibers provide anaerobicstrength as opposed to slow twitch aerobic fibers that provideendurance. Many Abdominal/back machines incorporate fast movementsresulting in very little strengthening of the Abdominal or and back fasttwitch fiber muscles. As a result, an individual could be better offdoing eighteen crunches slowly with a 30 pound medicine ball, as opposeto 300 crunches fast.

Furthermore, most abdominal exercise programs can require 5, 10 or evenmore different exercises in order to isolate all upper abdominal groups.Most gyms have four to seven different abdominal machines or abdominalslant boards. The process performing a number of exercises can take 20to 60 minutes and involve extensive stress on the back and shoulderjoints due to extensive movements required by many exercises andexercise devices. In addition, it can require the assistance of one ortwo trainers to perform some Abdominal exercises.

Anatomically, upper abdominal muscles differ from other muscles in thebody like biceps or leg muscles, in two different ways.

First, abdominal or core muscles resist movement, whereas most othermuscles propel a person. For this reason, contracting or tightening theabdominals during an exercise can be beneficial because doing so cancause muscle resistance. This can be conducive to muscles that resist asoppose to muscles that propel, resulting in further challenging of themuscle fibers or working out the muscle. Most individuals do not knowhow to properly tighten or contract their abdominals during crunchexercises, which can reduce their results by 70% to 80%. Muscles thatresist typically need minimal movement to contract, whereas muscles thatpropel, like biceps, typically need a full range of movement. This iswhy many in the sports and academic community found abdominal crunchesmore effective over abdominal sit-ups. Seventy percent of the sit-upmovement affected non-abdominal muscles, like the hip flexor muscles.Abdominal machines that incorporate extensive range of movement fromtwisting to bending have been found in scientific research journals tobe ineffective or less effective than a crunch. An exercise and/ordevice that adds direct resistance to the abdominal muscles, comparableto the impact of a 30-50 pound abdominal medicine ball commonly used byprofessional boxers, during a crunch movement can beneficially result ina person contracting and tightening their abdominal muscles.

Secondly, the development of abdominal muscles can be difficult due totheir non-jointed action. In comparison, jointed attached muscles likebiceps are easier to contract: by simply moving the elbow joint. Theabdominal muscles are not attached directly to any specific joint. Thisis why abdominal exercises with extensive joint movement can beinefficient and ineffective. In order to overcome this anatomicalobstacle, an abdominal device is needed that can activate muscle groupsthat are inter-connected to abdominal muscles. Two specific examples ofsuch muscles are the latissimus dorsi (attached to the side serratusabdominal muscles which connect to the front abdominals) and the backflexor muscles (attached to the anterior spine, which includes theabdominals; enabling flexing and arching of lower back). By contractingor activating the latissimus dorsi and back muscles, side and frontabdominals can be indirectly activated.

The abdominal muscles can be comprised mainly of both slow and fasttwitch fibers. Fast twitch fibers (as opposed to the slow twitch,endurance type ones), are composed of muscle fibers that providestrength and are thus designed for short exercise sessions withsimultaneous explosion of extensive resistance and high intensity(anaerobic or non-cardio). In contrast, slow twitch fibers are typicallyadapted to provide endurance. Properly exercising slow twitch musclescan require long exercise sessions and low muscle intensity (aerobic orcardio). Because of these differences between types of muscles,fast-twitch fibers can respond best to heavy resistances and lowrepetition, in order to obtain muscular strength and development.Therefore, many individuals performing 50 to 100s of crunches, or usingother abdominal exercises or machines that incorporate minimalresistance and extensive body movement per set (fast movements), canresult in more cardio as oppose to muscle strength. As such, an objectof a new abdominal machine can be to isolate the fast twitch fibers, inthe shortest time frame, incorporating the highest level of multipleintensity and resistance.

What is needed is an improved abdominal exercise apparatus. Such anapparatus can include one or more of the following attributes:

(1) An apparatus that can simultaneously contract many or alltwenty-four segmented abdominal muscles (within the rectus, oblique andserratus groups), lats and back flexox muscles, collectivelyconstituting the core muscle groups. This could eliminate the need touse multiple different abdominal/back machines and/or abdominal/backexercises commonly used today. This type of apparatus couldsimultaneously contract many or all body core muscles, using multipleexercises and resistance in one device so that several exercises can beperformed simultaneously.

(2) An apparatus that can incorporate multiple, adjustable resistanceunits. Each resistance unit can be adjustable up to 150 pounds ofresistance, for example. This can provide a high intensity exercisewithin a short time.

(3) An apparatus that can provide direct resistance to the frontabdominals comparable to the use of a medicine abdominal ball. Since theabdominal muscle resists as opposed to propel, such an apparatus canpromote abdominal contraction during exercise.

(4) An apparatus that can provide adjustable resistance to the side abs,lats and back flexor muscles.

(5) An apparatus that can provide adjustable resistance to the frontabdominal crunch exercise.

(6) An apparatus that can incorporate an electronic computerizedpersonal trainer. Such a trainer could aid a user in performing a newmethodology and exercise design that the user has never beforeexperienced. For example, the trainer could guide the user through theproper form and technique with proper or optimal time frames of therepetitions and sets.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Responsive to the foregoing needs and other needs, some embodiments ofthe present invention can provide three core resistance exercises;implemented in one simultaneous movement. The first exercise can bedirect resistance to the front abdominals comparable to an abdominalmedicine ball, a second exercise can be an angular resistance crunch andthe third can be a resistance lateral pull (sometimes also referred toas a “lateral row”). In one embodiment, a device can provide adjustableresistance for some or all of these three exercises. Adjustableresistance can be provided through use of resistance compartments withinterchangeable bands, weights, tension bands, hydraulics and the like.

Accordingly, some embodiments can combine three core resistanceexercises that can simultaneously exercise core muscles and upper bodymuscles.

Various embodiments can also include an electronic (audio and visual)personal trainer that assists in the technique and training time of theexercise. The user can choose beginner or intermediate/advanced. Thetotal time sessions can range from 3-4 minutes, for example. The usercan chose four different positions depending on conditioning andability. The home unit collapses into a collapsed, carryingconfiguration. In its operational mode, the unit unfolds.

One embodiment of an exercise apparatus can have a body forming a firstyoke. The first yoke includes a first longitudinal channel extendingtherethrough and a first slide member is positioned in the firstchannel. The first slide member is slidable therein in a reciprocatingmanner and has an abdominal engagement end extending from the channel.The exercise apparatus can further include a second yoke pivotallyattached to the body and has a second longitudinal channel extendingtherethrough. A second slide member is positioned in the second channeland is slidable therein in a reciprocating manner. The second slidemember has an upper body engagement end extending from the secondchannel. The exercise apparatus can include a vibration unit operable tocause all or portions of the exercise apparatus to vibrate.

Another embodiment of the present invention is exercise apparatus forexercising muscles of a user having a main body and an abdominal crunchexercise member pivotally attached to the main body. The abdominalcrunch member is biased to resist concentric motion thereof. Theexercise apparatus also include a seat attached to the main bodyconfigured to support a user. The exercise apparatus also includes anelectronic vibration unit functionally attached to main body andconfigured to induce vibrations through a user of the exerciseapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 a-1 d are various views of an exercise device in a foldedconfiguration in accordance with various embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2 a-2 c are various views of the exercise device of FIGS. 1 a-1 din an operational configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIGS. 2 a-2 c.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIGS. 2 a-2 cwith a different abdominal pad in accordance with various embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 5 a-5 c are various views of an exemplary “four pack” abdominalpad in accordance with various embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c are various views of views of an exemplary “six pack”abdominal pad in accordance with various embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 7 a-7 c are schematic illustrations of using an exercise device ina seated position in accordance with various embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c are schematic illustrations of using an exercise device ina lying down position in accordance with various embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c are schematic illustrations of using an exercise device ina hybrid seat/lying down position in accordance with various embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate use of an electronic coaching device inaccordance with various embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary exercise machine in accordance withvarious embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a further exemplary exercise machine in accordancewith various embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates yet a further exemplary exercise machine inaccordance with various embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which itis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments can be used and structural changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments of this invention.

When simultaneously performing three abdominal exercises at one time,twenty-six abdominal muscles, the latissimus dorsi, arms and backmuscles can be collectively contracted, which can result in a total coreand upper body workout in less than four minutes. Mechanical andmethodical processes of embodiments of the present invention can provideproper body positioning, resistance and multiple muscle isolation tocontend with the complexity of the abdominal and back muscle groups. Theattached drawings and diagrams provide a description of embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a portable, home unitabdominal exercise device 100. FIGS. 1 a-1 d shows the device 100 in acompact, folded configuration and FIGS. 2 a-2 c shows the device 100 inan unfolded, operational configuration. FIG. 3 is a perspective view ofthe device in an operational configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 1 a and 2 a, the exercise device 100 cancomprise a generally rectangular body 22 forming a first yoke thatconnects a pair of hand grips 24 a and 24 b. The hand grips can bepositioned on opposing locations of the first yoke 22 and extend awayfrom the yoke at angles with the X axis and Y axis. A substantiallycircular-shaped ring 28 can substantially encircle the body 22 and handgrips 24 a and 24 b. A carrying handle 26 (FIG. 1 a) can be formed atone end of the ring 28 adapted for a user to grasp and carry the device100, as shown in FIG. 1 d.

With reference to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, a first slide member 30 can beslidably held in a channel (not shown) that can extend through thecenter of the yoke of the body 22 in a direction defining a y-axis andsubstantially or completely perpendicular to an x-axis. The first slide30 can reciprocate back and forth in a longitudinal direction in thechannel. A first base 32 can be detachably connected at a firstengagement end 34 of the first slide 30. The first engagement end 34 canextend out of the channel to engage a targeted muscle area, such as anabdominal muscle area of a user. The first base 32 (also referred toherein as an “abdominal pad”) can have a first engagement surface 36,which can sized to provide a large contact area with a user's body toincrease stability and reduce the pressure in the contact area. The base32 can also be provided with a foam pad to cushion the contact area.

In some embodiments, a second yoke 40 can extend at an angle away fromthe body 22 in the operational configuration, as shown in FIG. 2 b. Inthe folded configuration, the second yoke 40 can be collapsed into thebody 22 lying substantially parallel to the first yoke, as shown inFIGS. 1 a and 1 b. Further to FIG. 2 b, a second slide member 42 can beslidably held in a channel (not shown) that can extend through thecenter of the second yoke 40. The yoke 40 can extend away from the body22 in the range from 20 to 70 degrees and in one embodiment, the rangeis from 30 to 60 degrees. The second slide 42 can reciprocate back andforth in a longitudinal direction in the channel.

A second base 44 (which can also be referred to herein as a “chest pad”or “upper body pad”) can be detachably connected at a second engagementend 46 of the second slide 42. The second engagement end 46 can extendout of the channel to engage a targeted muscle area. The base 44 canhave a user engagement surface 48, which can be sized to provide a largecontact area with a user's body to increase stability and reduce thepressure in the contact area. The engagement surface 48 can also beprovided with a foam pad to cushion the contact area. The second base 44can also swivel or pivot on the second slide 42 to accommodate therotational motion of a user when performing a crunch. The yoke 40, slide42 and base 44, together, can be considered part of an upper bodyresistance mechanism 102.

The body 22, hand grips 24 a, 24 b and ring 28 can be formed as anintegral piece of plastic. The second yoke 40 can be pivotally connectedat one end to a top portion of the body 22. In addition, a pair of legsupports 64 and 66 can be pivotally connected to a bottom portion of thebody 22. In the folded configuration, the leg supports 64 and 66 can befolded into the body 22 to provide a low profile, as shown in FIG. 1 b.In the unfolded configuration, the leg supports 64 and 66 can extendfrom the body and an angle, as shown in FIG. 2 b. In operation, the legsupports 64 and 66 can rest on a users legs while the user is performingan exercise using the device 100, as shown in FIG. 7 for example.

The hand grips 24 a and 24 b can extend from the x-axis at equal angles,with the magnitude and direction of the angles selected such that theuser's arms are placed in a natural position while exercising toincrease stability. With the hand grips angled, the user's elbows canrest comfortably in a natural position besides the torso. To add furtherstability, the hand grips can extend at least as high, and preferablyabove, the top of the body 22 of the device 100.

With reference to FIG. 3, the body 22 can also include at least onecavity 56 centrally positioned in a lateral direction. The rectangularcavity 56 can be disposed so as to receive an electronic coach 104. Theelectronic coach 104 can be pivotally mounted at one end in the cavityso that it can be “popped up” out of the cavity 56 at an angle. Thus,the electronic coach 104 can conveniently extend out of the body of thedevice 100 in the operational configuration and can be collapsed intothe cavity in the folded configuration shown, for example, in FIG. 1.Also, graphic and text instructions can be provided in a bottom surface(not shown) of the cavity 56 for providing specific instructions for theuser when the coach 104 is in its operational configuration.

FIG. 3 provides a description of components of the abdominal device 100in accordance with some embodiments. Use of certain components of thedevice 100 can be comparable to the biomechanical exercises performedwith certain conventional gym exercise devices.

For example, a user pulling the hand grips 24 a and 24 b toward theuser's body can correspond to an exercise traditionally performed on arow/lateral pull machine. When performing the lateral pull on the device100, a user can hold the grips with palms facing up or down, which canexercise different muscles. Griping the hand grips 22 and 24 and pullingthe hand grips 22 and 24 toward the user's body can be comparable to arow machine action, contracting and adding resistance to the sideabdominals, laterals, back flexors and arms. Furthermore, the pad 32 andleg supports 64 and 66 can provide stability when performing thisexercise.

Use of upper resistance mechanism 102 can correspond to use of anabdominal crunch exercise machine. In some embodiments, the resistancemechanism 102 can provide an angular line of motion, as opposed to acurved line of motion used in conventional abdominal machines. The upperpad 44 can be contoured the upper chest area of the human body and, inuse, placed at the upper chest area of the user. The second yoke 40 canbe adjustable, to accommodate user body types. In this manner, thesecond yoke 40 can be positioned at various angle with respect to thefirst yoke of the body 22 so as to accommodate different users. In otherwords, mechanical adjustments are provided that allow for height and/orlength adjustments of various sizes and strength of particularindividual users. In some embodiments, resistance to the variousexercises can be adjusted using compartment 60, which contains variousadjustable resistance mechanisms, including tension bands, cords,hydraulics, weights, etc.

Use of abdominal pad 32 positioned on a user's abdominal area cancorrespond to use of an abdominal medicine ball when the device ispulled toward the user in the lateral pull motion, described above. Aconventional abdominal medicine ball can require an assistant to dropthe ball, has no adjustable resistance and it provides impactresistance. In contrast, some embodiment of the device 100 canbeneficially provide adjustable, direct resistance when a force isapplied to the abdominal pad 32 into a user's abdominal area. Adjustableresistance can be provided through use of resistance compartment 62 withinterchangeable bans, weights, tension bands, hydraulics and the like.

In addition, some embodiments simultaneously contract much, if not all,of the core muscles of a human body in one exercise motion. In use, andas illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 7-9, upper pad 44 can be placedon the front shoulders of a user, implementing a forward crunch, lowerpad 32 can be placed between the middle and lower front abdominal area,and the user can grip the hand grips 24 a and 24 b with palms facing upor down.

As discussed above, leg pad supports 64 and 66 can be placed on theupper thighs of a user. The supports can be adjustable, based on auser's upper body height. An adjustment mechanism can allow for theadjustability, in a upward or downward direction. For example, in oneembodiment, leg pad located at ends of the leg supports 64 and 66 can becushioned and contoured to accommodate the thigh area of a user.

FIG. 4 illustrates the device 100 using a detachable four pack abdominalpad 132 instead of the single, more rounded abdominal pad 32 illustratedin FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the four pack abdominal pad 132 isdesigned to specifically isolate four segmented middle and lower frontalabdominal muscles. The pad segments can be designed with a radius ofcurvature to more closely contour to the shape of the human abdominalarea.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate various views of further embodiments of lowerabdominal pads, including a “four pack” abdominal pad 500 (FIGS. 5 a-5c) and a “six pack” abdominal pad 600 (FIGS. 6 a-6 c). In accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention, an electronicvibration unit (not shown) may be added to the device 100, which canprovide further benefits when performing abdominal exercises. As shownin FIG. 6, the six pack lower abdominal pad 600 includes a vibrationunit 610, which can cause the abdominal pad 600 to vibrate when in use.It is understood that such a vibration unit can be incorporated withother types of abdominal pads described herein or in other portions ofthe device 100 to provide vibration explained above, and is not limitedto use with only a lower abdominal pad. For example, the vibration 610can cause other portions of the device 100 to vibrate, including thehand grips 24 a and 24 b and upper body pad 44. Furthermore, embodimentsof the present invention need not be limited to a single vibration unit,as multiple, separate units can be used to cause various portions of thedevice 100 to vibrate.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate various methods of using the device 100 inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Themethods can obtain optimal contraction and high efficiency of use. FIGS.7-9 illustrates use of the device 100 in a sitting position, FIGS. 8 a-8c illustrates use of the device 100 in a lying down position, and FIGS.9 a-9 c illustrates use of the device 100 in a hybrid sitting/lying downposition.

The device 100 can be used by pulling the device 100 toward the user,with the user gripping the hand grips of the device 100 with his or herpalms facing up. This can exercise the lower abs, middle abs, side abs,lats, back and arms. The user can alternatively grip the hand grips withpalms facing down, which can exercise different muscles or the samemuscles differently. For example, with palms facing down, the device mayprimarily exercise triceps and shoulder muscles.

The progressive action of pulling, crunching and holding, is a threeaction method that can isolate most or all core muscles. In addition,the device's pulling pressure on the frontal abdominals can preventlordosis or curvature of the lower back. This can reduce pressure on thelower back, critical to individuals with low back pain. As discussedabove, a user can perform a “crunch” by crunching against the upper pad44. This can exercise the upper abs. It should also be noted that thefigures illustrated the crunch motion in a rotational fashion; however,the crunch can also be performed at a straight angle. In other words, auser can push his or her chest so that the upper pad 44 moves straightinto the body of the device 100, as discussed above.

In accordance with some embodiments, a user can perform a newmethodology of exercising the core abdominal and back muscles, based onsimultaneous use of multiple core exercises and resistance. This can bebeneficial due to the core's multiple muscle configuration and itsunique muscle action. The user's pull and crunch action can be aconcentric or positive resistance movement. At this point, all threeexercises can be activated. The user can then hold the device for anamount of time, such as 1 to 5 seconds, which can further exercise theupper, lower and middle abs, and back as well as the lats and arms. Theuser slowly release's the unit, resulting in an eccentric or negativeresistance movement. The user can then relax and then repeat the abovesteps. The above steps need not be performed in the order describedabove, nor do all of the steps need to be performed sequentially. Forexample, one or more of the steps can be performed simultaneously, forexample the crunch and pull steps can be performed at the same time.

In accordance with various embodiments, use of the device 100 in asitting position (see FIGS. 7 a-7 c) can provide a beginner exercise,use of the device 100 in a lying down position (see FIGS. 8 a-8 c) canprovide an intermediate exercise and use of the device in a hybridsitting/laying down position (see FIGS. 9 a-9 c) can provide an advancedexercise.

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate use of the voice and visual electronic personaltrainer 104 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. An exemplary electronic personal trainer is described inpublished U.S. Patent No. 2005/0124474 titled “Abdominal exerciser withElectronic Coaching Device,” which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety. In general, the electronic personal trainer 104 canprovide a user with instruction regarding how to perform exercise withthe device 100. With the electronic personal trainer 100, a user canselect between beginner and advanced workouts. Appropriate timingbetween repetitions, sets and periods of resting can be beneficial toisolate fast twitch muscles; especially muscles that resist. Embodimentsof the present invention can be set to correspond to scientific optimallevels of timing and procedures.

A majority of individuals do not know the proper timing and process ofabdominal tightening, breathing, sets, reps, optimal exercise time.Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provideintroductory instructions and daily exercise operations. The user canalso choose the level of ability. During operation of the unit, it canprovide visual lighting and text, plus voice instruction. It wouldtypically require two to three personal trainers to accomplish what thecurrent electronic instructional unit can accomplish.

Various embodiments can include computer memory for storing informationrelating to a user's use of the device 100 over a specific period oftime, for example. A computing device residing in the device 100, suchas in the electronic coach or other computer device, can use theinformation stored in the computer memory to provide reporting of theuse of the device 100, including displaying information in graphic formon a display of the computing device. The device 100 can also include aninterface to connect the computer memory with a separate computer fortransmitting information relating to the use of the device 100 to theseparate computer.

With reference to FIGS. 10-17, in some embodiments, an electronic coachcan aid the user in accomplishing a multiple muscular phase exerciseactivity by determining that a first muscular phase (e.g., a concentricphase) can be performed, and providing a user perceptible output thatprompts and instructs the user how to properly perform this phase. Theelectronic coach can determine that a second muscular phase (e.g. anisometric phase, illustrated in FIG. 14) can be performed and provides asecond user perceptible output that is different than the first, thatprompts and instructs the user how to properly perform this phase. Theelectronic coach may then determine that a third muscular phase, theeccentric phase (illustrated in FIGS. 15-17), can be performed and thenprovides a third user perceptible output that is different than thefirst and second that prompts and instructs the user how to properlyperform this phase. The electronic coach can instruct the user throughboth visual and audio outputs as to the proper timing and method ofperforming each phase of the exercise activity. In addition, a side orrear memory slot on the computerized trainer 400 can accept a memorycard. The memory card can store data relating to the user's exerciseperformance, bio-data, usage and the like for later analysis by aphysician or physical therapy professional, for example.

FIG. 18 illustrates a commercial abdominal exercise machine 200 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theexercise machine can include a chest crunch mechanism 210, an abdominalpad mechanism 220, and a lateral row mechanism 230. The machine 200 caninclude a mechanical vibration unit 240 that causes a user to oscillatein three dimensions and is produced by two motors. The oscillatingaction can be combined with performing resistance exercises usingembodiments of the present invention, such as device 100 and machine200. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can combine threeresistance core exercises with internal accelerated vibration. This cansignificantly increase core muscle development. One such vibration unitis commercially available as the Power-Plate® my5 from Power Plate NorthAmerica, Inc., located in Northbrook, Ill. In one embodiment, thevibration unit 240 is located under a seat of the exercise machine 200and causes the seat to vibrate, however, other portions of the exercisedevice can vibrate instead or in addition to the seat, such as the chestcrunch mechanism 210, abdominal mechanism 220 and/or lateral rowmechanism 230.

FIG. 19 illustrates a further embodiment of an abdominal exercisemachine 300 in accordance with the present invention. The abdominalexercise machine 300 has similar components to exercise machine 200,including a chest crunch mechanism 310, an abdominal mechanism 320, alateral row mechanism 330 and vibration unit vibration unit 340. Inaddition, exercise machine 300 includes a user interface 350 that canincorporate the functions of the electronic coach unit described above.The interface 350 can also include controls for the vibration unit 340,such as turning the vibration off and on and the amount of vibration.

FIG. 20 illustrates yet another embodiment of an abdominal exercisemachine 400 in accordance with the present invention. Embodiment 400 issimilar to embodiment 300, but with the crunch pad 410 directlyconnected to an abdominal pad 420.

Advantageously, use of embodiments of the abdominal devices disclosedherein can simultaneously contract many, if not all, of the varioustypes of abdominal muscles. Thus, a user can exercise his or herabdominal muscles using a single machine in a shorter amount of timethan with use of conventional machines.

It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways ofimplementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It istherefore intended that claims eventually issuing from one or morepatents claiming priority to the present application be interpreted asincluding all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. An exercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising: amain body; an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to themain body, the abdominal crunch member configured to engage an upperbody area of a user; an abdominal contact member attached to the mainbody, the abdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominalarea of the user; and an electronic vibration unit capable of causing aportion of the apparatus to vibrate.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim1, further comprising a lateral row exercise member functionallyattached to the main body.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe lateral row exercise member comprises a pair of hand grips.
 4. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration unit is a vibrationpad.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seatattached to the main body and configured to support a user.
 6. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the abdominal crunch member isbiased in a manner so as to resist concentric motion thereof.
 7. Anexercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising: a mainbody; an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to the mainbody, wherein the abdominal crunch member is biased to resist concentricmotion thereof; a seat attached to the main body and configured tosupport a user; and an electronic vibration unit functionally attachedto the main body and configured to induce vibrations through a user ofthe exercise apparatus.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising an abdominal contact member attached to the main body, theabdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominal area of user.9. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a lateral rowexercise member functionally attached to the main body.
 10. The exerciseapparatus of claim 7, wherein the vibration unit comprises a powerplate.